Soft, delicate cookies filled with sweet cherry jam – that’s the joy of Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies with a Heart-Shaped Twist. These delightful treats are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor, making them perfect for any occasion. As you bite into the tender cookie, the rich, fruity cherry jam fills your mouth, creating a symphony of taste that transports you to the heart of a sun-kissed orchard.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies with a Heart-Shaped Twist
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies with a Heart-Shaped Twist

Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies with a Heart-Shaped Twist

When I first made these cookies, I was struck by how simple they are to whip up, yet they feel so special. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, wanting to impress someone special, or simply craving something sweet, these heart-shaped thumbprint cookies will surely bring a smile to anyone’s face. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to show love – both in presentation and in taste. So gather your ingredients and get ready for some heartwarming baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: These cookies come together in about 20 minutes, perfect for when you need a sweet treat in a hurry.
Irresistible Flavor: Sweet cherry jam pairs delightfully with rich butter cookies for a mouthwatering combination.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The heart shape gives a lovely touch, making them ideal for special occasions or just because.
Flexible Serving: Great for lunchboxes, snack time, or as party favors, these cookies are perfect any time of day.
Diet-Friendly Options: Adaptable with different jams or gluten-free flour, everyone can enjoy these gems!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cherry Jam (about 1 cup): The star of the show, providing sweetness and fruity flavor; feel free to substitute with raspberry or apricot jam for a twist.
150g Whole Cherries: Fresh or frozen, these add natural sweetness and texture to your jam; if using frozen, thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
50g (1/4 cup) Granulated Sugar: Helps to sweeten the cherry mixture and balance the tartness of the cherries; brown sugar can work for a richer flavor.
1 tsp Lemon Juice: Adds acidity, enhancing the flavor of the cherries; consider orange juice for a slightly different profile.
115g (1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter: Essential for rich flavor and tender texture; use room temperature butter for easier creaming.
60g (1/2 cup) Icing/Powdered Sugar: Makes for a smooth cookie dough and adds sweetness; don’t skip sifting it to avoid clumps.
1 Egg Yolk: Provides moisture and richness; avoid using the egg white here, as it can change the texture.
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie dough; vanilla bean paste can provide an even more intense flavor.

How to Make Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies with a Heart-Shaped Twist

Prepare the Cherry Jam: Start by finely chopping the cherries and then combining them with 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar and 1 tsp lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes syrupy. Once finished, let it cool while you prepare the cookie dough.

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal of the cookies later and prevents sticking.

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together 115g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter and 60g (1/2 cup) icing sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the batter, aiding in the cookie’s texture.

Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Beat in 1 egg yolk and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined. The egg yolk adds richness, while the vanilla brings warmth to the flavor profile.

Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in flour and cornstarch (in quantities not specified, as per common cookie recipes) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the cookies.

Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 12 equal balls and place them on the lined baking tray. Using two fingertips, press down gently to form a heart shape in the center of each ball. This unique shape not only looks good but also cradles the jam perfectly.

Fill with Cherry Jam: Spoon the cooled cherry jam into the heart-shaped indentation you’ve created in each cookie. Be generous but avoid overfilling to prevent bubbling over while baking.

Bake to Perfection: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them – they will have a lovely aroma when ready!

Cool and Serve: Once baked, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool for about 15 minutes, or until they are firm enough to handle. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge for up to 10 days. For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer in a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months. To refresh, thaw at room temperature and gently reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, bringing back their delightful texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the dough after adding the flour, as this can lead to denser cookies.
Ensure that the butter is at room temperature to create a light and fluffy cookie base.
If you love nuts, consider folding in some finely chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
For a fun twist, try using different fruit jams based on seasonal availability – blueberry, plum, or even chocolate spreads would all work beautifully.
Make the cherry jam a day ahead to give it time to cool completely, which can streamline your baking process.

These Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies with a Heart-Shaped Twist not only taste amazing but also look cute enough to impress anyone. Baking should be fun, and there’s no better way to share some love than through delicious treats. Whether you drizzle them with a little icing or leave them as is, these cookies will surely do the trick. I encourage you to experiment with flavors and fillings, find your preferred jam, and perhaps even make these heart shapes for different occasions. Enjoy each bite of your lovely creation!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it has a binding agent like xanthan gum included.

What other jams can I use?

Feel free to get creative! Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam can also be excellent alternatives, so choose your favorite fruit flavors.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure to chill your cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape during baking and keeps them thick and tender.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll into balls and follow the recipe as directed!

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Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies with a Heart-Shaped Twist

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 32 minutes
Total Time: 52 minutes
Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Category: COOKIES
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies with a Heart-Shaped Twist are a delightful treat, featuring cherry jam and a buttery cookie base. With simple preparation and heart-shaped designs, they’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying yourself. Bake a batch to experience their irresistible flavor and homemade charm!

Ingredients

Scale

cherry jam
150g whole cherries
approx. 1 cup
50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
cookie
115g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
room temperature
60g (1/2 cup) icing/powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Finely chop the cherries and combine them with sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and then cool.
Preheat the oven to 175C/350F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Cream together the butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, then beat until well combined.
Mix in the flour and cornstarch, stirring until just combined.
Roll the dough into 12 balls and place them on the lined baking tray.
Using two fingerprints joined at the bottom, create a heart shape in the center of each ball.
Fill the heart-shaped cavity with the cooled cherry jam.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown.
Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack, allowing them to cool for 15 minutes or until firm.

Notes

Ensure the butter is at room temperature for better mixing.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the cherry jam filling.
For variation, try using different types of fruit jams.